Michael Broomhead

The Prince of Wales has joined hundreds of members of the public for the funeral of the last of the famous Mitford sisters.

There were scenes from a bygone age at Chatsworth House today as Charles and Camilla joined the family of Deborah Cavendish, the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, who died peacefully last Wednesday morning at the age of 94.

Prince Charles and Camilla at the funeral. PIC: Scott Merrylees

More than 600 members of the estate staff, dressed in traditional livery, lined the mile-long route the cortege took through the park to St Peter’s Church, in Edensor.

The royal mourners walked behind the hearse just after the current Duke of Devonshire and other close family members as it moved slowly through the spectacular landscape.

The Dowager moved in the same circles as Winston Churchill, John F Kennedy, Adolf Hitler and Evelyn Waugh and epitomised a privileged and glamorous aristocratic lifestyle that no longer exists.

Charles paid tribute to her after her death, saying he “adored and admired” her.

Deborah, the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire.

Chatsworth mourners gather for the funeral of the Duchesss of Devonshire. Photos: Simon Waller.

Chatsworth mourners gather for the funeral of the Duchesss of Devonshire. Photos: Simon Waller.

Chatsworth mourners gather for the funeral of the Duchesss of Devonshire. Photos: Simon Waller.